Sunday, 17 March 2013

ALLAHABAD: The Kriyayoga practice points out that mature (ripe) grains, seeds and fruits are the food best suited for human beings given their consumption and digestion needs and structure. The human eyes, ears, teeth and tongue and length of the digestive tract shows that humans are basically frugivorous (consumers of fruits and seeds) in nature. Canine teeth, very well developed in carnivores (meat-eaters and predators), are rudimentary in human beings.

Human eyes do not like to see slaughtering of animals, and ears do not like the cry of animals, neither can the tongue appreciate the taste of meat thrown on the street. They never enjoy chewing the bones scattered at the bank of rivers or in the forest whereas carnivorous animals enjoy chewing the bones as if it were delicious candy. Human beings can enjoy fruits found on the ground but would never appreciate consuming scattered decaying meat left on the side of a road. These were the insights into humans and their food habits by international spiritual leader Swami Shree Yogi Satyam who delivered his message to pilgrims attending the Kriyayoga Camp at Mukti Marg in Kumbh Mela. He stated that humans enjoy non-vegetarian food only when it is fried or mixed with certain spices to mask their taste. Carnivores enjoy even rotten and putrefied meat.

He added that the length of the digestive tract in carnivores is short compared to human beings, whereas the digestive tract of herbivores is much longer compared to carnivores and human beings.

Observation shows that herbivores are meant to eat grasses and stems of plants. Carnivores are made to eat meat while human beings are structured biologically to eat fruits and seeds. In herbivores, the longer digestive tract is suitable to digest and absorb grasses and stems. If herbivores are fed a good quantity of fruits and seeds they get sick. In the same way, the digestive tract of carnivores is fit to digest meat and animal parts.

Animal products, meat and organs should not remain in the digestive system for a long time to avoid growth of harmful bacteria and viruses. Carnivores, therefore, have a shorter digestive tract compared to herbivores and humans.

Humans have started eating wrong foods due to inhuman and unnatural thoughts. All thoughts and ideas which create segregation are unnatural thoughts. These can be erased through constant practice of Kriyayoga meditation.

The consumption of vegetarian food has been accepted more in western countries as research studies prove that eating meat and dairy products leads to illnesses in particular heart disease and cancer.

Friday, 15 March 2013

From Natalie Portman to Beyonce and Chris Martin, several celebs are advocating veganism. Are we ready for it?

Veganism is slowly gaining ground as a lifestyle choice. It's finding strong support, notwithstanding the debate that surrounds it. Here's more on the subject...

Veganism vs vegetarianism

It's the practice of is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or poultry. Vegans, in addition to being vegetarian, do not use other animal products and by-products such as eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, cosmetics, and soaps derived from animal products.

Does it work for everyone?

Yes, you need not have a certain body type or physicalframe to follow this diet.

Clothing is going vegan too!

Being vegan is not just in diet, but also excludes animal products from one's clothing, cosmetics, household goods and things used everyday. Of these, clothing choices is gaining ground. People opt for cotton and synthetics. Leather or silk is an absolute no-no.

What meals comprise of

The debate:

For

Those in favour of this regime maintain that animal products are toxic for the body. They say plant foods provide adequate amounts of minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. An expert says it lowers cholesterol levels and vegans have fewer indigestion problems. The diet thus offers cardiovascular benefits. Since it includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and unprocessed foods it is believed to be more nutritious.

Against

Another doctor argues that the human body is designed to eat meat and underlines the importance of it. He says meat is a huge source of protein, iron, minerals and calcium. Experts also say this eating pattern allows no room for an intake of vitamin B12. Unfortunately for vegans, the only source of B12 is only via a supplement. One way out is to separate meat eating from fat on the meat. Pediatric doctors also maintain a vegan ideal is not ideal for kids as it offers less energy.

A dating site for vegans

If you're following the vegan pattern of eating and want to only meet someone who does similarly, it's now possible. Sites dedicated to vegetarians and vegans are increasingly popping up. So, if you want to find a vegan mate, chances are you can do so! Happy hunting!

Vegan weddings on the rise

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied had a vegan wedding and recently, actress Anne Hathaway who wed jewellery designer Adam Shulman had a reception with complete vegan menu. More and more people are also choosing to go meatless and dairy-less at a

wedding. Brides are opting to wear richer cottons and synthetic silks instead of silk. The menus too, are

Meat: Use mock meat, tofu, soya chunks or soya mince, mushrooms or root vegetables. Mock meat such as faux chicken, mutton, fish and more can be used.

Ghee or butter: Use vegetable oils instead of ghee. Instead of butter, cook with vegetable margarines and oils.

Eggs in baking: Use self-rising flour, which is available in the market. Tofu, bananas, applesauce, pumpkin, squash, prunes and mashed potatoes are all good egg substitutes, depending on the nature of the dish.

Milk: Almond, coconut or soya milk can be used instead.

Method:

Heat the oil in and add the mushrooms to it. Sprinkle salt and pepper and cook for a few minutes. Pour the coconut cream over this. Now add the water and spring onion and cook further for a few minutes. Serve with rice.

The actress is a huge advocate of veganism and a site quotes her as saying, "Once I became vegan, my nails were stronger, my skin was glowing, I lost a lot of weight... Going vegan is the single best thing I've done in my life." Silverstone has also written a book on the subject and launched her own site to go with it.

Beyonce

The R n B singer is said to keep her pregnancy weight away by having one vegan meal a day. She had admitted in an interview that she avoids eating animal products to maintain her fit, post-baby body. According to a magazine, even during her pregnancy she and hubby Jay-Zboth stuck to a 'partially-vegan' diet to stay healthy.

Chris Martin

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and his actress wife Gwyneth Paltrow, are known for their love of vegan cuisine. So much so, that he apparently even provided a healthier alternative to the traditional birthday cake for his daughter Apple's first birthday in 2005. This was an apple cake made at a vegan eatery!

Natalie Portman

The Oscar-winning actress has been a vegetarian since childhood and she is said to have adopted veganism after reading the book Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. Natalie now doesn't eat or wear any animal products, and even launched her own vegan shoe line. Quite impressive!

Pamela Anderson

Model and actress Pamela Anderson who became a vegetarian as a teenager, regularly stands up for animal rights. A site quotes her having admitted that she feels better on a vegan diet. She switched to a vegan diet an and credited the plant-based eating plan for helping her stay fit.

Tobey Maguire

Actor Tobey Maguire is said to have banned all leather from his house too! He is a supporter of healthy vegetarian options for school lunches and takes a strict adherence to eating this way. Word also has it that for his role as Spiderman, he bulked up by eating lots of tofu.

MUMBAI: Three brave Navi Mumbai based women who are fighting for animal rights against all odds, were among those honoured with Women Achievers Awards at Powai on the eve of International Women's Day on Thursday.

The three activists - Aditi Lahiri, Roshni Majumdar and Rinki Banerji - were awarded for their animal welfare work in Navi Mumbai at the function organised by Young Environmentalists Programme Trust.

Lahiri has been helping stray animals in the satellite city for over 10 years despite suffering from cancer, while Majumdar is a young MBA student who was beaten up and molested by local goons in Sanpada for feeding an injured stray dog last year.

Rinki Banerji was recently assaulted by a mob of animal-haters in New Panvel where she had gone to protect the stray dogs.

Talking to TOI, Majumdar said: "In June last year, six youngsters had attacked me and my cousin in Sanpada just because I used to feed a disabled stray dog. I got these goons arrested, but unfortunately, a false police complaint was also lodged against my cousin to harass us further."

Organiser Elsie Gabriel of YEPT added: "Along with Mazumdar, even Banerji is very brave to fight back an angry mob in New Panvel for the rights of animals. Hats off to all the three ladies."

In all, 23 women from different social spheres and activities were honoured at Rodas ecotel in Powai.

"It is tough to fight for stray dogs and cats, as many housing societies are openly hostile towards animals, and even poison them to death. We need proper animal centres to do effective sterilisations of the strays. However, compassion must be shown by all individuals towards the mute animals," added Lahiri.

Uncle had sexually abused me: Sophia Hayat

The glamorous actress and TV show host, Sophia Hayat, revealed her dark and disturbing past about child sex abuse. When I was only 10, my uncle had sexually abused me. I want to tell everyone that behind this glamour doll image of mine lurks a disturbed childhood,'' said Sophia at the function in Powai.

She later told TOI, Through my story, I want to reach out to all the young girls who may be in a similar situation; in order to help them fight back against such horrid sex pests and assaulters.''

Sophia also mentioned that this childhood incident of hers did affect her in many ways, but now she is happy to have come out of it in a positive way to contribute to the society, especially other minor girls, who can also be in a vulnerable situation.

Daniel Chatterton of Green-team Rodas, commented: It is wonderful to welcome achievers who inspire. By sharing their success more women will reach for the stars." The theme of the event was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy: 'Be the change that you would like to see'.

Thursday, 28 February 2013

Docking the tail or cropping the ears of your pet dog does not amount to mutilation and cannot be treated as cruelty to the animal, the Madras High Court has ruled.

The court also ruled that neither the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) nor the Veterinary Council of India has any authority to prohibit registered veterinarians from performing tail docking and ear cropping of certain breeds of pet dogs such as Doberman, Cocker Spaniel, Great Danes and Boxer at the request of their owners.

Allowing a writ petition filed by Kennel Club of India (KCI), Justice D. Hariparanthaman quashed a notice issued by the veterinary council on November 11, 2011, directing all registered veterinarians in the country to stop forthwith the practice of performing the two surgical procedures on pups. The notice had warned the veterinarians of stringent action if they were found to be continuing the practice.

It was issued on the basis of a letter written to the council by the AWBI Chairman who had opined that the surgical procedures cause mutilation and therefore amount to violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act 1960.

The chairman had also claimed that many countries including the United Kingdom had banned the two surgical procedures.

Assailing the notice, KCI contended that the two surgical procedures actually make the dogs look good and stay alert besides preventing ear infection and injuries on the tails.

Further, drawing an analogy, the petitioner club said that the chairman’s view was akin to declaring as illegal the act of people choosing to perform circumcision and piercing the ears and noses of their newborn children.

After recording submissions made by both sides, the judge said that tail docking and ear cropping would not amount to mutilating the pets and therefore dog lovers or owners could not be accused of such an offence.

Though the term ‘mutilation’ had not been defined under the PCA Act, the judge relied on the meanings found in various dictionaries to arrive at the conclusion.

Not wanting to go into the correctness of articles and books written about the two surgical procedures, Mr. Justice Hariparanthaman pointed out that the procedures were only regulated and not prohibited in the UK. The AWBI and the veterinary council had not disputed the fact that dogs belonging to the police department were also subjected to ear cropping and tail docking.

He stated that the notice under challenge was bad in law as the AWBI’s statutory role was restricted to advising the Centre. It was up to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to give effect to the advice by invoking its rule making power under Section 38 of the PCA Act. But no such rule had been framed with regard to the present issue.

To make things worse, the veterinary council had issued the notice on the basis of a letter written by the AWBI’s chairman alone and not the Board as such.

“In my view, the AWBI is different from chairman… Section 9 of the Act contemplates providing of advice by AWBI and not by the chairman… Hence, the advisory of the chairman cannot be treated as the decision of AWBI,” the judge added.

Imran Khan's love for rescuing strays is known. The actor is so passionate about the cause that he, along with his mother Nuzhat and wife Avantika Malik, work dedicatedly towards rescuing stray dogs and cats, trying to put them up for adoption.

Now, the actor intends to take his passion to the next level and has bought a few acres on the outskirts of Mumbai, where the rescued animals will be kept till someone is ready to adopt them â€” or for life if need be.

A source says, "The star has purchased close to four acres and he will convert this into an animal shelter. He has plans to hire in-house veterinary doctors and staff who will attend to the rescued animals."

When asked if this was true, Imran said, "This is a cause that resonates with me. If I didn't do this, there would be no me. I'm that passionate about it."

He refrains from speaking about the animal shelter as yet, because plans are still underway. However, even as we speak, Imran has five cats and one dog at his Pali Hill residence and all of them have either been picked up from the street or brought to him by friends and neighbours who know the animals will find care.

Saturday, 2 February 2013

NAVI MUMBAI: Animal activist Rinki Banerjee (30), on Thursday, lodged a non-cognizable complaint against a group of women, who allegedly beat her up for supporting the cause of feeding stray dogs in Sector 11 at the New Panvel police station.

On Thursday, Banerjee went to Sector 11 after resident Sandhya Parekh informed her that locals were not allowing her to feed strays. "The women, who claimed to be from a political party, surrounded me. One of the women pulled my hair and started slapping me, while others egged her on," said Banerjee. "When I started hitting the woman back, they retreated".

Parekh said: "The locals must realise that it is our constitutional right to feed animals."

The women have lodged a cross-NC against Parekh for encouraging "dog menace" in the area. Health officer of Cidco N R Parab admitted that the women were wrong in beating up the activist. "They had complained to Cidco about a few strays. We had taken two dogs to our kennel; will sterilize them and release them in the area," Parab said.

Meanwhile, the stray puppy, which was found dead in Vijay Nagari Annex Housing Society in Thane on January 26, was punched to death.

"The Thane police has to collect the post-mortem report from the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals," said Bhawanji Chhadwa of Sadbhavna Charitable Trust.He added that the mouth of the puppy was stuffed with a cloth in order to muffle its cries of pain. I hope that the police catch the cruel culprit soon, as this harmless pup has suffered a painful death,'' added Chhadwa. TOI had first mentioned about this stray puppy earlier this week.

Followers

Feedjit

Documentaries

Quote of the week

The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to the other creatures; but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creatures that cannot. ~Mark Twain